The Centennial of Carson McCullers

Carson McCullers — author, playwright, tragic figure — would have turned 100 years old this year. She spent more 20 years living in a house on Broadway in Nyack, where she wrote some of her best-known works, including Member of the Wedding and The Ballad of the Sad Cafe.

Boo, who has been obsessed with Carson McCullers ever since she read “A Rock. A Tree. A Cloud” in high school honors English, has been stalking the home (and Carson’s grave in Oak Hill Cemetery) ever since her first visit to see me in Nyack more than 20 years ago. She naturally was in attendance.

At the library:

After the library program, we walk to the house for the reception.

Boo admires the portrait of Carson.

The home now belongs to Columbus State University, which has turned it into a center for artists in residence.

The reception.

Screened-in porch, overlooking the Hudson.

Carson’s books.

That time when Marilyn Monroe and Isak Dineson came over and sat by the fireplace in the very room where you’re standing.